Aussies uncover profitable path with mystery shopping amid cost-of-living crunch!
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In the face of rising costs and the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, Australians are getting creative with how they supplement their income.
One such avenue that's gaining traction is the world of mystery shopping, where everyday Aussies are turning their routine errands into profitable ventures.
It's a side hustle that's not only accessible but also quite lucrative, with some individuals earning up to $300 for tasks as simple as shopping at ALDI or enjoying a meal at the local pub.
Louise Heffernan, the owner of the mystery shopper business Mystery Management, has shared insights on how Australians can earn extra cash.
Mystery shopping involves anonymously evaluating a range of stores and services, from retail outlets like ALDI and Subway to dining experiences at restaurants and pubs.
There's even ‘mystery riding’, where individuals can get paid to report on their experiences using public transport, including buses and ferries.
The beauty of mystery shopping is its inclusivity. ‘There’s a whole heap of different things, and anyone can do it. It’s a good way to make extra money,’ Ms Heffernan explained.
Mystery Management boasts a diverse roster of over 2,000 mystery shoppers across the country.
While a few individuals pursue it as a primary occupation, it remains a side hustle for most.
‘So we’ve got school teachers, police officers, uni students, stay-at-home mums, retirees, you name it, they work for us,’ Ms Heffernan shared.
‘Anybody can be a mystery shopper. Our oldest mystery shopper was 81 and she just recently retired last month.’
The tasks assigned to mystery shoppers can be as brief as a 5 to 10-minute shopping trip to ALDI, followed by a report of the same duration.
Public transport tasks will vary based on the journey, while dining assignments span the length of the meal.
Mystery shoppers are tasked with specific assignments at designated stores or establishments.
They subsequently provide feedback on their experiences, covering aspects such as customer service and the store's cleanliness.
Each job is unique and tailored to the needs of the company seeking feedback. For instance, ALDI mystery shoppers might be asked to purchase an alcoholic item and interact with a team member.
‘If you are going to Subway, you need to buy a sandwich and see if they upsell to a cookie or a bottle of water,’ Ms Heffernan explained.
‘If you’re going to a pub and ordering a pub meal, are they upselling garlic bread or sides? When you go to the bar and order a glass of wine, are they offering you a premium glass?’
The compensation for these tasks depends on the specific job completed.
‘You can earn as little as $20 to as much as $300. It does vary,’ Ms Heffernan mentioned, highlighting that tasks involving public transport tend to offer higher pay.
If a shopper needs to buy something, they will be refunded for the purchase and can keep the item. For dining tasks, they get to enjoy their meal without charge.
‘You’re paid by the task. Anybody that works for us as a contractor can supply their ABN (Australian Business Number) or a statement of supplier and you can do this as a hobby,’ she explained.
Various mystery shopping agencies are available for online applications. Once approved, most companies provide a ‘Jobs Board’ where you can apply for assignments that match your qualifications and preferences.
Looking to boost your income with a flexible side hustle? Discovering opportunities like mystery shopping or enjoying paid visits to pubs is increasingly popular among Aussies seeking extra cash.
Meanwhile, one Aussie mum shared her ingenious side hustle, revealing how she consistently brings in hundreds of dollars weekly.
These stories highlight the diverse and creative ways Australians supplement their incomes, catering to a wide range of interests and schedules.
Have you ever considered becoming a mystery shopper? Or perhaps you're already one of the savvy individuals making the most of this opportunity? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
One such avenue that's gaining traction is the world of mystery shopping, where everyday Aussies are turning their routine errands into profitable ventures.
It's a side hustle that's not only accessible but also quite lucrative, with some individuals earning up to $300 for tasks as simple as shopping at ALDI or enjoying a meal at the local pub.
Louise Heffernan, the owner of the mystery shopper business Mystery Management, has shared insights on how Australians can earn extra cash.
Mystery shopping involves anonymously evaluating a range of stores and services, from retail outlets like ALDI and Subway to dining experiences at restaurants and pubs.
There's even ‘mystery riding’, where individuals can get paid to report on their experiences using public transport, including buses and ferries.
Mystery shopping earns Australians extra cash by anonymously evaluating stores, public transport, or dining experiences. Credit: Shutterstock
The beauty of mystery shopping is its inclusivity. ‘There’s a whole heap of different things, and anyone can do it. It’s a good way to make extra money,’ Ms Heffernan explained.
Mystery Management boasts a diverse roster of over 2,000 mystery shoppers across the country.
While a few individuals pursue it as a primary occupation, it remains a side hustle for most.
‘So we’ve got school teachers, police officers, uni students, stay-at-home mums, retirees, you name it, they work for us,’ Ms Heffernan shared.
‘Anybody can be a mystery shopper. Our oldest mystery shopper was 81 and she just recently retired last month.’
The tasks assigned to mystery shoppers can be as brief as a 5 to 10-minute shopping trip to ALDI, followed by a report of the same duration.
Public transport tasks will vary based on the journey, while dining assignments span the length of the meal.
Mystery shoppers are tasked with specific assignments at designated stores or establishments.
They subsequently provide feedback on their experiences, covering aspects such as customer service and the store's cleanliness.
Each job is unique and tailored to the needs of the company seeking feedback. For instance, ALDI mystery shoppers might be asked to purchase an alcoholic item and interact with a team member.
‘If you are going to Subway, you need to buy a sandwich and see if they upsell to a cookie or a bottle of water,’ Ms Heffernan explained.
‘If you’re going to a pub and ordering a pub meal, are they upselling garlic bread or sides? When you go to the bar and order a glass of wine, are they offering you a premium glass?’
The compensation for these tasks depends on the specific job completed.
‘You can earn as little as $20 to as much as $300. It does vary,’ Ms Heffernan mentioned, highlighting that tasks involving public transport tend to offer higher pay.
If a shopper needs to buy something, they will be refunded for the purchase and can keep the item. For dining tasks, they get to enjoy their meal without charge.
‘You’re paid by the task. Anybody that works for us as a contractor can supply their ABN (Australian Business Number) or a statement of supplier and you can do this as a hobby,’ she explained.
Various mystery shopping agencies are available for online applications. Once approved, most companies provide a ‘Jobs Board’ where you can apply for assignments that match your qualifications and preferences.
Looking to boost your income with a flexible side hustle? Discovering opportunities like mystery shopping or enjoying paid visits to pubs is increasingly popular among Aussies seeking extra cash.
Meanwhile, one Aussie mum shared her ingenious side hustle, revealing how she consistently brings in hundreds of dollars weekly.
These stories highlight the diverse and creative ways Australians supplement their incomes, catering to a wide range of interests and schedules.
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